Black Templars

Black Templars Malton Crusade Abbreviation: + Group Numbers: Classified Leadership: Marshal Garviel Loken answerable to Imperial Command Goals: To serve the Imperium and purge Malton of the forces of Chaos. Recruitment Policy: Open to new recruits, sign up at the forums and post in the IC forum requesting admission. Recruits must sign up for an MSN Messenger account and have this information posted in their profile for purposes of coordination and communication Contact: Imperium Group RP Forum Imperium of Man Serve the Emperor! | Imperial Command Space Marines | Sisters of Battle | Imperial Guard Adeptus Mechanicus | Adeptus Arbites Crusades | Imperial Information Office | Lawbreakers | Merits and Commendations Map of the Imperium | Imperial Foreign Affairs | The Imperial Creed | Imperial Law Pay It Forward | Planned Revive Policy | Urban Warfare Doctrine | Coalition for Fair Tactics Report a Crime | Join the Imperium You carry the Emperor's will as your torch, with it destroy the shadows. Verses of Sigismund, Book CIV, Verse I After making combat drop into Hive Malton now Marshal Garviel Loken has set out to regroup the Crusade's forces and drive back the mutant hordes that infest Malton in accordance with other forces of the Imperium of Man. This group, like the Imperium, is an RP group based on the Warhammer 40k universe. Policies Mobile Operations This group may use temporary bases but its main focus is engaging their foes in the thickest of the fighting Adeptus Astartes The Black Templars are Space Marines in service of the Imperium of Man Planned Revivification This user or group supports organized revivification. Supporter of Urban Warfare Doctrine I fight block by block We are strongly opposed to Zerging and Spying as both are grossly dishonorable tactics and spit in the face of what a Marine is and does. We seek open, honorable engagements with our foe, not the skulduggery and deception of dishonored units such as the Alpha Legion. Furthermore, while our forces may on occasion operate in conjunction with other agents and agencies of the Imperium, we more often then not will be operating behind enemy lines on our own. As such any support from alts is frowned upon and regular abuse of alts will be handled with disciplinary action. We do NOT Random Revive. Given our objectives and organization we will not be able to maintain revive points and as such should work first to revive our own, then other Imperial agents, and only then to move on to those who are not of the Imperium if known to be friendly. Recruitment We are currently accepting all male aspirants, go to the link provided above for our forum and sign up. For any women interested in serving the Emperor in the similar fashion, seek out the Sisters of Battle. Training All new recruits are required to undergo basic training with the Black Templars before they are assigned to a front line unit for combat. Those who lack the necessary skills to serve as a full Templar remain in the Training Company until such a time where they are ready to serve, those who have such skills are still required to serve in the Training Company for approximately a week to familiarize themselves with the procedures and protocol of the Chapter. It is also during training that recruits deemed potential leaders of the Chapter in the future are determined based on how they handle assignments and circumstances. Battlecry No Pity! No Remorse! No Fear! Purpose The Black Templars are a Chapter of the most zealous, aggressive, and fanatical Space Marines in the Imperium. Where other troops under heavy fire and losses would fall back to a safer position, the need to avenge the deaths of their Battle Brothers drives the Black Templars ever more furiously forward into the fray. As such, the Black Templars seek, once re-establishing the Chapter's forces and creating a permanent Chapter Keep for training of Novices are complete, to engage in aggressive crusades against the Mutant hordes that currently infest Hive Malton. No mercy will be shown to the mutants or to any traitors and heretics in the eyes of the Imperium who seek to impede this Holy task in His name. History Sigismund The story of the Black Templars begins well before the breaking of the Legions with Sigismund, the Captain of the Imperial Fists Legion 1st Company and most favored of the Primarch Rogal Dorn. It was during the Siege of the Emperor's Palace at the height of the Horus Heresy that Sigismund inaugurated the oldest tradition of the Black Templars and the spirit of the Chapter. During the Siege the followers of Horus devoted themselves to the foul Dark Gods of Chaos, many being gifted and chosen as Champions of Chaos to further their dark agenda. In response to this Dorn named Sigismund the Emperor's Champion, his duty was to seek out these damned blasphemers on the field of battle and defeat them in honorable single combat in the Emperor's Name. In these brutal confrontations Sigismund slew hundreds of Champions of the Ruinous Powers winning every single combat he engaged in. The Breaking of the Legion Following the end of the Horus Heresy and the breaking of the Legions to ensure the Heresy could not happen again, Rogal Dorn initially resisted all efforts to break up his beloved Legion reaching the point that the Imperium teetered on the brink of a new civil war to the point that Imperial Fists ships were fired on by vessels of the Imperial Navy. Dorn eventually backed down recognizing that while he could no longer serve the Emperor directly he must do all he could to uphold his father's realm. As such he consented to the Codex Astartes and the breaking of his beloved VII Legion. The Imperial Fists were broken into three Chapters, the Imperial Fists, the Crimson Fists, and the Black Templars. Sigismund, who was chosen as Emperor's Champion by Dorn, led the more zealous of the Imperial Fists as the Black Templar Chapter and was elevated to the rank of first High Marshal of the Black Templars. Sigismund swore an oath that upon leaving Terra, he and his new chapter would prove their loyalty by never resting in his duties against enemies of the Emperor and set out on a Crusade to prove their loyalty to the Imperium. Every High Marshal after him has renewed this oath, continuing the age-old Crusade. That Crusade has lasted ten thousand years up to present day. Present Day The Black Templars are arguably the largest Chapter of Space Marines in existence and do not confine themselves in terms of scale to the Codex Astartes, only the High Marshal truly knows how many Black Templars there truly are. They are a fleet-based chapter, enabling them to push forward in the name of the Imperium and deploy rapidly to where the fighting is hottest. As such they keep Chapter Keeps on worlds they liberate to recruit new novices for the Chapter to continue. Organization Rather than organize into Companies as their largest formation just below the Chapter as a whole, the Chapter is organized into purpose-driven Crusades each of which easily can rival a Chapter in size in the larger cases and in smaller instances still deploy numbers that would match easily four standing Marine companies of any other Chapter. The Crusade The whole of the Malton Crusade is commanded nominally by a Marshal. A Marshal will be chosen when our strength reaches a point where we have need of such a figure. The Crusade consists of all Fighting Companies, Squads, and the Training Cadre in Hive Malton regardless of location. Fighting Companies A Fighting Company consists of between two and five squads of Marines, preferably full strength squads but given the circumstances some exceptions are willing to be made. Each Company is commanded by a Company Castellan who is seconded by the Company Chaplain. Each officer is expected to also directly command a squad of their own. Squads Squads consist of between five and ten marines of varying specializations and are commanded by a Squad Sergeant. The variation of specialties in each squad allows for each Squad, and in effect each Company, to operate independently and without need of more than access to resource buildings and without support of other organizations in hostile territory. Squads are grouped not to fill out numbers but by the time zones of the users who are stationed in them to make real-time operations easier to conduct. Training Company This is where all Novice Marines who are not yet fully qualified as Battle Brothers are stationed and trained until they are ready to join their Battle Brothers in combat against the enemies of Man. The company is commanded by all the Chaplains in the Crusade who ensure the learning of the Novices in what makes one a Black Templar. Ranks Marshal Supreme Commander of the Malton Crusade. The highest rank any Marine in the Black Templars can aspire to short of special positions granted by the Lord General Militant in charge of the Imperium in Malton. The Marshal and his squad are unique in that they are not part of any particular Fighting Company. The squad, at the Marshal's discretion, may be attached to any Fighting Company during an operation but they are not part of that Company in and of itself. Castellan Commander of a Fighting Company and all forces contained within. Is also required to possess a command squad which they lead personally into battle as well as command of their Company. Chaplain Second in command of a Fighting Company, they both serve as commander when the Company Castellan is unable to and as the one who administers to the faith and moral well-being of those in his company. Due to the demanding duties of this position Chaplains are almost never considered for promotion to holding the position of Castellan as they must devote so much time to the spiritual health of their charges. They serve as both a back-channel for Brothers to address issues with their commanders and as a means of upholding morale when the situation is at its most grim. All Chaplains are expected to take part in the training of new Novices and hold authority over the Training Company that is as absolute as that a Castellan holds over his Fighting Company or the Marshal over the Crusade. The only ones who could countermand the orders of a Castellan or Marshal are the Chaplains when those orders relate to the Training Company and if those orders are believed by the Chaplains to be a serious impediment to the learning and training of the novices. Emperor's Champion This is a special position given to a Marine who does not hold a command position within the Crusade. An Emperor's Champion is chosen just before the beginning of a new operation from among the eligible Veterans and Sword Brethren (if all of the above are in command positions then a Battle Brother will suffice). They are to embody all that it is to be a Black Templar and to engage the most dangerous and fell foes of the Crusade in honorable combat. The squad they are part of is expected to undertake the most difficult targets and assignments in the coming operation and the Champion must always be the first in charge and last in retreat. Often the Champion will also be given a list of targets known to be in the area such as prominent mutants or infamous traitors who are in the operational zone. While the position gives no command responsibilities, they are always considered senior to any Marine not in a command position. Sergeant Commander of a Squad within a given Fighting Company. The second in command for the command squad of a Fighting Company, unlike other seconds who hold no rank, is bestowed the rank of Sergeant. Particularly skilled Sergeants may be considered for promotion to Castellan of a Fighting Company if such position is open. Battle Brother The rank and file of the Chapter, these men form the bulk of the Crusade's forces. They are further divided based on their skill and seniority, while this does not reflect chain of command within a squad it does denote their accomplishments, dedication, and abilities. Sword Brethren Our most elite warriors, they may or may not hold a command position, this rank is a mark of their achievements in battle against the enemies of Man. These Templars are the most fearsome on the battlefield and are rightly feared for their might and skill at arms. Veteran Those who are known for their great experience in battle and are honored for this wisdom and skill and known for their ability to excel at their given role within the Crusade. Battle Brother The rank and file of the Chapter, these warriors are those who have finished their Novitiate but are not yet tempered by the fires of war. Novice New recruits seeking to fight for the Chapter and aspire to achieve the status of a Battle Brother. All new Black Templars start at this rank. Uniform All Marines are to have the following uniform at all times as possible: Black long-sleeved shirt, black jacket, a white coat, black trousers, and black leather boots. Apothecaries are to wear a white hooded sweater or long-sleeved shirt, a black greatcoat or coat, a pair of black leather or regular trousers and a pair of black leather or regular boots If bloodied please change for a fresh set when possible with the exception of the white coat, this is a sign of having been seriously wounded in battle and should be worn with pride. Battle Honors Like any military organization, service and achievements are rewarded and recognized in this Crusade. As such the following honors are employed by the Malton Crusade. Battle Honors Crusade Banner Carried by the Standard Bearer of the Crusade, this is a high honor and marks the bearer as a member of the command squad for the entire Crusade. Company Banner Each Fighting Company is allowed their own banner, while not as prestigious to carry this is still an honor to be given the privilege to carry the company standard. Purity Seal The following is kept for historical reference only. The Black Templars no longer employ the Purity Seal as a means of recognition of achievements. Awarded for participation in any operation, the seal has notation showing which operation it was awarded for. The notation will be the acronym for the operation, for example Operation: Vigilant Watch would be VW. On the ribbon on the seal any other notations for actions in said operation will be posted. These are sometimes awarded, although very minimally, to those who are Space Marines but not part of the Chapter, only on rare occasions are these given to Imperial troops outside of the Space Marines and only in very specific cases of truly legendary individuals who are not part of the Imperium of Man. The following are notations that denote what kind of operation it was: Shield Defensive Operation Cog Reclamation Operation Warhammer Offensive Operation Sunburst Special Operation Aquila Successful Operation Skull Failed Operation. While this seems contrary to what a battle honor is, we must remember our defeats as well as our triumphs and our deeds even in such a defeat. Honors These are placed on the ribbon of the seal just below the notations. The following are recognition of actions in an operation: Sword Valor Commendation, killed at least five mutants, traitors, and/or heretics in the operation Crossed Swords Extraordinary Valor, killed at least fifteen mutants, traitors, and/or heretics in the operation Maltese Cross Exemplary Valor, killed at least thirty mutants, traitors, and/or heretics in the operation Blood Drop Was severely wounded (dropped to 0 HP) during the operation Red Cross Revived at least five survivors during the operation Twisted Helix Revived at least fifteen survivors during the operation Hammer and Wrench Repaired an objective building during the operation Iron Halo Was the Emperor's Champion for the operation, available only to regular marines Special Notations These are awarded under very specific operations that proved to exceed the expected difficulty, awarded in recognition of such an operation. Fist of Dorn As Dorn was known for his emphasis on perseverance and use of pain for training and discipline, so does this battle honor denote the Brother who wears it undertook exceedingly difficult trials during the operation they participated in. Laurel Wreath Granted to the Brother who, in an operation where at least the Sword of Valor was awarded to at least one marine, who killed the most foes. Lightning Bolt Given to the sergeant whose, in the estimation of all active officers in the Chapter, squad and leadership proved most effective and crucial during an operation. This honor is only open to Squad Sergeants. Ron Burgundy Purity Seal Upon hearing of his retirement Castellan Loken ordered the awarding of a heavily decorated, special Seal to be made for Ron Burgundy bearing all of the honors any Marine could aspire to attain save for that of the Iron Halo. This seal was presented to his followers on May 6th, 2008. Previous Operations Operation: Vigilant Watch Here we made our stand against the oncoming hordes of the mutants of Big Bash 2 to defend the citizens of this Hive against the approaching threat. We did the best as we were able with limited resources to hold northern Santlerville and fought in the assault on Dowdney Mall. In spite of the valor and devotion of the Marines serving there Dowdney Mall fell partially due to the mass panic inflicted by heretical preaching and broadcasts just before the main assault began but also to the tenacity of the attacking mutants. Operation: Unquestioning Resolve Made our stand against the return of Big Bash 2 in Santerville to buy time for any survivors who cannot fight to evacuate the suburb and make ready to rebuild. We fought against our foes long and hard, holding them off from complete victory for four days until all Marines were slain and forced to seek revive in Gibsonton to avoid jamming revive queues in Santlerville further. Operation: Iron Citadel Reclaimed a portion of northwest Gibsonton for the Imperium to serve as a training facility for any and all Imperial agents. Operation: Iron Line Worked to hold Dulston alongside our allies in the Dulston Alliance against the returned hordes of BB2 and possibly the Dead. We fought hard and held along with our allies during a week of constant fighting until the position became untenable and fall back to Gibsonton was necessary. Operation: Cleansing Flame Kept classified to outsiders in the details until its completion, Cleansing Flame was the liberation of Rolt Heights and Gibsonton from mutant infestation following the return of Imperial forces in the wake of the devastation wrought by the Dead. This operation tested out new theories such as Rat Tactics in reclaiming overrun suburbs and due to the new approach, exceedingly high difficulty, and feeling of helplessness all who participated were awarded the Fist of Dorn. Current Operations Operation: Burning Pyres The specific operation underway to resist the oncoming traitor invasion, specifics to remain classified until the operation's end upon the retreat of the traitor forces.